Built to Bless
Well, bless your heart, friend, pull yourself right up here on this ol’ front porch and make yourself at home. If you were any more welcome, I’d have to shoo that nosy possum that keeps sniffin’ around my biscuit tin and give you the seat with the cushion Aunt Dixie Mae herself would have fluffed. Land sakes, it’s a pleasure to have you stoppin’ by here today. Sometimes the Lord’s truth comes trottin’ toward us like a curious lil’ calf that found a new gate left open. Today we are lookin’ at Romans 12 and the beautiful way God hands out gifts, all wrapped up in His amazing grace. Psalm 100:3 says, “It is He who made us, and not we ourselves.” That there verse reminds us that the One who made us also equips us, and He never hands out gifts without a real good purpose.
Romans 12:3-8 tells us that we’re one body in Christ, each with a different function. Some teach. Some encourage. Some give. Some lead. Some show mercy. And every gift is downright needed. Paul wasn’t tryin’ to puff folks up. He was tryin’ to stir their hearts like a cool mountain breeze stirs the chimes on a cabin porch. He wanted believers to use their gifts generously, not sparingly because God Himself had measured out faith and grace for each one.
To deepen this truth, let’s weave First Peter 4:10, which says, “As each one has received a gift, minister it to one another, as good stewards of the manifold grace of God.” That plum means your gift just ain’t no ornament to hang on a shelf. It’s a real good tool meant for service to Him. And friend, when you use your gift, you’re plum showin’ the world that God’s love is real. Givin’ becomes evidence of His presence in you. Whether it’s tithing, servin’, teachin’, encouragin’, or simply showin’ mercy with a cheerful heart, your gift is a holy offerin’.
And don’t forget Romans 12:6, which tells us, “Our gifts differ according to the grace given to us.” That there means you don’t have to be like anyone else. You just have to be faithful with what God placed in your hands. Even the smallest lil’ act of givin’ can ripple out like a frog jumpin’ into a still pond.
Father, thank You for the gifts You have placed in my life. Help me use them generously and joyfully. Teach me to serve others with Your grace and to honor You in all I do. In Jesus’ name, Amen.
Well, alright now, friend, before you ease on into the rest of your day like a curious lil’ ol’ fox trottin’ through fresh morning dew, you gotta be holdin’ this truth real close. God has crafted you with intention, and He went and tucked gifts right on inside you with more care than a lil’ mama bird carefully arrangin’ her nest. When life gets mighty noisy like a lil’ squirrel fussin’ at an ol’ woodpecker, you gotta be rememberin’ that your gift is real special part of God’s grand design. So, step forward with confidence, knowin’ the Lord plum delights in usin’ you to be a blessin’ to others. I pray that your day unfolds with purpose, joy, and the steady assurance that God’s grace is workin’ right through you.
With joy,
Gwen
